Gaza Residents Return to Devastated Homes Following Israeli Withdrawal Under Ceasefire

Following the implementation of a ceasefire and the first phase of an agreement to end the conflict, thousands of displaced Palestinians began walking back to their ruined homes in Gaza on Friday, passing through barren areas left in the wake of the fighting.

Large groups of people were seen walking north along the coastal road toward Gaza City, the region’s largest urban center, which had suffered one of Israel’s heaviest strikes during the recent war.

In the Sheikh Radwan district of Gaza City, 40-year-old Ismail Zayda said, “Thank God my house is still standing. But this area has been devastated. My neighbors’ homes are destroyed, and the entire district is flattened.”

Further south, residents made their way through the dust-choked city of Khan Yunis, Gaza’s former second-largest city, which was largely demolished by Israeli forces earlier this year. Many walked in silence.

Ahmed Al-Brim, a middle-aged man, pushed a bicycle laden with bundles of wood—salvaged from the ruins of his home—that his family would use for cooking. “We went to our area; it was destroyed. We don’t know where we’ll go next,” he said. “We have no furniture, no clothes, nothing— not even winter clothing. Nothing is left.”

Palestinian health authorities reported that medical teams recovered 100 bodies from various parts of the Gaza Strip following the Israeli withdrawal.

As Gazans returned home, questions emerged about whether the ceasefire and the prisoner exchange agreement—the largest step yet toward ending the two-year conflict—would lead to lasting peace under U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump expressed confidence that the ceasefire would hold: “They are all tired of fighting.” He noted that broad consensus had been reached on next steps, though some details remained to be worked out.

Netanyahu: Hamas Must Be Disarmed ‘Easily or Forcefully’

The Israeli military said the ceasefire took effect at noon local time (0900 GMT). Under the first phase of Trump’s plan to halt hostilities between Israel and Hamas, Israeli forces were given 24 hours to withdraw from urban positions, although they would still maintain control over more than half of Gaza.

Israeli police confirmed preparations for Trump’s visit on Monday, during which he will address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset—the first U.S. presidential speech there since George W. Bush in 2008. Trump also indicated plans to travel to the Middle East in the coming days, including Jerusalem and Egypt, where he hopes other world leaders will attend an international summit on Gaza.

The next phase of Trump’s plan proposes establishing an international body, the “Peace Board,” to oversee Gaza’s post-war administration, potentially led by Trump and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Hamas, however, rejected any form of “foreign guardianship,” asserting that Gaza’s governance is solely a Palestinian internal matter.

In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces would remain in Gaza to ensure Hamas is disarmed: “If it can be done easily, that is preferable; if not, it will be done forcefully.”

As the day progressed and it became clear that roads into cities were no longer blocked by soldiers, the initial trickle of Palestinians from temporary tent camps turned into a flood of people returning to their homes.

Mahdi Sakla, 40, said his family immediately headed north toward Gaza City upon hearing of the ceasefire. “Clearly, no home is intact—they are destroyed. But we are glad to return, even if we have to walk over the rubble. This is a great relief. For two years, we have suffered while being displaced.”

The Israeli government confirmed the ceasefire early Friday. Following the withdrawal, Hamas has 72 hours to release its 20 remaining live Israeli hostages. Trump said the hostages would be “back” by Monday.

Israel will also release 250 Palestinians serving long sentences and 1,700 prisoners captured during the war. Hundreds of trucks carrying food and medical aid are expected to enter Gaza daily.

Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effi Deferin urged Gazans to avoid entering areas under Israeli control: “Follow the agreement and ensure your safety,” he said.

Hamas’s Gaza leadership stated that assurances had been given that the war had ended.

The ceasefire agreement marks an end to the two-year conflict that killed over 67,000 Palestinians and includes the return of the remaining hostages captured during Hamas’s deadly October 7, 2023 attack, which killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Twenty hostages are believed to be alive, 26 may be dead, and the fate of two remains unknown. Hamas has indicated that recovering the dead could take longer than releasing the living.

Challenges Remain

Even if fully implemented, the agreement will only partially bring the parties closer together. Many uncertainties remain. Trump’s 20-point plan has yet to reach consensus on post-war governance of Gaza or the ultimate fate of Hamas, which has rejected Israel’s disarmament demands.

Hamas-run Interior Ministry stated it would deploy security forces in areas vacated by the Israeli army. It remains unclear whether armed militants will return to the streets in large numbers, an action Israel could interpret as provocative.